Sliding Down the Sky

by Amanda Dick

To him, family is a dirty word. To her, it’s the one thing you can count on.

Callum Ferguson grew up in the shadow of the sins of his father. Alcoholism and violence are in the genes and as much as he tries to escape it, it stares back at him every time he looks in the mirror.

Sass Hathaway thrived in the limelight until one night she lost it all. With her career as a musician over, it takes her brother to rescue her from herself. He presents her with his idea of salvation; a dilapidated bar, far from the bright lights and big city.

When their paths inevitably cross, neither of them are prepared for the effect they have on each other. Suddenly, for the first time, the future seems promising.

Then the past rears its ugly head.

If you’ve spent so long fighting to hang on, what will it take to make you let go?

Sliding Down the Sky is the second stand-alone novel in the Absolution series by Amanda Dick. A riveting contemporary romance series featuring her trademark themes of family, friendship, love and loyalty, with beloved characters that will steal your heart.

What readers are saying:
“A powerfully moving story”
“Heartfelt and compelling”
“Emotionally charged”

Genres: Contemporary

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2018

About the author

Amanda Dick is a night-owl, coffee addict, movie buff and music lover. She loves to do DIY, believes in love at first sight, in women's intuition and in following your heart. She is rather partial to dark chocolate and believes in the power of a good vanilla latte.

What lights her fire is writing stories about real people in trying situations. She is insanely curious about how we, as human beings, react when pushed to the edge. Most of all, she enjoys writing about human behaviour - love, loss, joy, grief, friendship and the complexity of relationships in general.

After living in Scotland for five years, she has now settled back home in New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Website: www.amandadick.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/amandadickauthor
Facebook Readers Group: www.facebook.com/groups/amandadickbooks

Reviews

[KathyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top favorite books last year was by this author titled Absolution. It was just one of those books that made me stop and think about life from a different perspective. Sliding Down the Sky is a stand alone book that gives us the story of Callum. He was a main character in Absolution that I was hoping would get his own story because well... he deserved one. :) I connected with him very much and admired him for all that he did for Ally in Absolution.
Even though this is a stand alone novel, I do think those who have read Absolution will probably connect better to Callum's story. Everything he went through in book one kind of sets the stage for this next phase of his life when he meets Sass, a woman with a tragic past who is struggling with and unbearable loss. The events of Sass's past left her traumatized and scarred. She was in a state of grief and struggling to re-create her life and find a new normal.
Callum was just the guy to help her along and to me it was a beautiful match. It was one of those times where everything he sacrificed in book one ended up being the very things that empowered him to be able to connect with Sass when no one else could. He was able to be the understanding, persistent, supportive and patient guy she needed to help her slowly take down her protective walls and find her courage to start a new life.
I was also really happy that we got to meet Jack and Ally again in this book. They are also still struggling with moving forward, but in good ways. Having their side story to go along with Callum's was an added bonus.
I have a few favorite scenes but at the top was definitely Callum and the tea party... lol... you gotta' love a guy that is willing to sit down and be subjected to a tea party with a little girl all for sake of making her happy. Yes, he scored a lot of Brownie points for that one! :)
I have to say that this author has once again amazed me with her talent for digging in deep and grasping my emotions. Her writing pulls me in emotionally and allows me to connect with the characters in a very personal way. This is not easy to do but she always finds a way with each and every book she writes.
Amanda is definitely at the top of my most favorite Indie authors and for a good reason. Her books always give me something a little different and they always make me stop and think about this crazy roller coaster ride life can be. This book is one that makes me consider that even though life can continuously hit you over the head with a bat, every now and then you get a little something as a result that makes it all worth the trouble. For Callum and Sass... all of their struggles led them to each other. And, I'm pretty sure that despite everything, they are at least grateful for that.
Another beautifully written story that is both heartwarming and heartwrenching and has left me wanting more.
Book one is only .99 on Amazon and free on Kindle Unlimited so if you would like to start there you really can't beat the price! Definitely worth the read... :) And it will make reading this book an even better experience!

ARC was provided as a part of the blog tour.


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[Abby O’Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****4.5 stars*****
First of all, let's take a moment to look (again) at the beautiful cover. Absolution has always been one of my favorite covers, and I may love this one even more! Anyway...I love Amanda Dick's writing, and the way it paints a picture in your mind. It flows nicely, and her books are always so wonderful. She creates the most realistic characters, struggling with something we can typically all relate to. Callum and Sass are no different. These two are both working through some serious baggage. Sliding Down the Sky is another beautiful story from Amanda Dick about real human nature and the struggles we all face when forced to deal with difficulties in life.
*Note: I looooooved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter!!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a standalone however I totally recommend you read Absolution first as it's also a fantastic read. I took this opportunity to re read Absolution. Yes I loved it that much.

After reading Absolution my expectations were high for this book. I wasn't disappointed as I loved this story.

My heart broke for Callum and Sass. Their story is heartbreaking.
Can two people that have been through so much and have so much baggage help each other??

This author certainly knows how to play on my emotions. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster of emotions reading this.

Super happy to revisit the characters from Absolution. Looking forward to seeing what else this author comes up with.

[Pam Douglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Amazing stars!!! I absolutely LOVED this story and these characters! I read Absolution one year ago and those characters are still in my thoughts! It was wonderful to be able to catch up on what's going on with Jack and Ally. I fell in love with the main characters; Callum and Sass. This Author managed once again to make me sigh, smile, swoon, fall in love, break my heart and then put it back together so beautifully. This is another book that will stick with me for a very long time. I highly recommend this book.

(**ARC kindly provided by the Author for an honest review**)

[Sue Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

Beautiful, emotional, and real that is how would describe Amanda Dick's writing. She lets inside her characters heads and makes you feel what they feel. Her characters and what they are going through feels real, raw, and honest. I also, loved the quotes marking the chapters and highlighted like crazy. I loved Sliding Down the Sky and would definitely recommend it.

[Brit]

another DNF. didn't finish after 17% might pick this up in the future. just wasn't feeling it at the time I read it

[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Sliding Down the Sky
Author: Amanda Dick
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★

Review



It’s safe to say that when reading an Amanda Dick story, I know that by the end of it, I am going to be moved, both emotionally and physically. I also know that I am going to have my heartstrings pulled on, even torn apart at times, but intricately put together by the end.

It’s these things that I go in expecting and what draws me so much to her work and just like her previous books, she doesn’t disappoint or scrimp with this one.

My heart broke for both Callum and Sass from the moment this story picks up. They’re both drifting. So incredibly lost and disconnected from the people that their hearts know they are. They’re let circumstances, life altering ones at that, take over their mind and override their heart until they’ve become mere shadows of themselves.

But this is what I enjoy so much about this authors work. Because not only does the road to love for both of them seem to bring them back into their own, healing them in a sense, but they also become stronger on their own. Coming back into their own in such a heart wrenching and moving way that it’s impossible not to be moved by them or their journey to happiness.

And moved I was.

After reading and falling in love with Callum as much as I did Jack throughout Absolution, when I heard that he was going to be getting his own book I was over the moon and now having finished it, I can say that it was definitely worth the wait. It was everything I wanted for Callum and more.

Add the appearance of Sass’s brother, his wife and their daughter, along with the reappearance of Jack and Ally, and the nice little glimpse we’re given into their lives at the same time as we get to watch Callum fall in love, and I was left wanting nothing. The only complaint at all that I have is that it had to end.

On a final note though, the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and how they correlated into the chapter that followed…well, it was a very nice touch and quite a few times, I would pause and just let the words set in because they resonated. So my hat is off to you for that little treat, author lady. You did good.

My thanks to the author and all others that were involved in letting me read this before official release. Callum and Sass’s journey is a beautiful one that I am so glad I got to witness.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Ardent PRose in exchange for an honest review.

If her first book didn't cinch it, this companion novel sure did. Yes, Amanda Dick is now one of those authors that I need to keep my eye on because she's proven twice over just how adept she is in weaving these highly emotional stories and making it more than just a love story. What I got from both her books are life stories, and they aren't just limited to the main characters. Here, though, it really did become more about Callum and Sass and their issues and challenges as individuals and how they were able to overcome them and triumph together. Through it all, they had the love and support of those closest to them--Sass's brother and his family and Callum's best friends. Like I mentioned in the beginning of my review, if the first book was about absolution, this was about salvation, as well as forgiveness, family, and friendship.

There's something about Amanda Dick's writing that calls to me. Her stories are more than just about falling for another person. So far, the ones I've read have been about discovering the person that you are and being the best possible version of that. In turn, love isn't merely about the falling; it's also about the catching and in Callum and Sass's case, they were there when the other needed someone to catch them at the lowest points in their lives. They're flawed characters, but I don't want flawlessness. I like that Callum and Sass have their nicks and cuts and bumps and bruises. It means they've lived and have survived to tell their tale, and now they're able to start to a new chapter together and will try to deflect the pain and hurt for the one person they love most when need be. I loved Sliding Down the Sky and give it five-plus stars. ♥

[Jennie Coull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Amanda Dick has done it again with another breath taking novel about heartbreakingly broken people.

I am a bit late writing up my review for this book, I first read it quickly and fell in love with it months ago but with the releases came the reread and this time I purposely took my time with it. I wanted to marinate in it and just fall in love with these characters all over again.

In this book we follow Callum Ferguson you may remember him form Amanda’s first book Absolution now it’s not super important to read Absolution first I highly recommend it. This s a character driven book with that deals with highly emotional issues, its slow building and well thought out, if you are looking for quick, smutty, fluff with little to no substance then look elsewhere. I can’t say enough about Amanda’s writing style, this lady is just going from strength to strength in her writing. Everything is done with such description you can imagine being there I love the language she used to describe things and feelings.


"He saved me because I didn’t have the heart to save myself."

"I was a shadow, looking for a dark corner to hide in. It took a while for me to realise that no corner was darker than the hole inside me."

"I was naked, standing in a cold new world, stripped of who I was and unable to do what I loved."

"In that moment, she placed her trust in my hands, and I was hers."

[Micha Goebig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when Amanda announced that Callum from last year's book Absolution (which I loved too) would get his own story because he seemed like a character with a lot of depth to be explored further as a protagonist. And I wasn't disappointed! He has all that depth, and the second protagonist, Sass, is a wonderful addition to the cast. Amanda has a great way of delving into her characters' depth of emotions, especially during a turning point in their lives.
The reader gets to meet two rather broken individuals but Amanda describes their sorrows and their journey without patronizing, in a very compelling and very compassionate way.
It's the author's fourth book and I think she's getting only better and better!


(**ARC kindly provided by the Author for an honest review**)

[Patti O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Amanda Dick's books. She is so incredibly good at expressing people's emotions. So much so you feel like you are experiencing the exact emotions as her characters. Everything feels so real. She writes people, not just stories. They become so real you feel like you know them intimately.

Sliding Down The Sky has so many "feels"; pain, fear, regret, courage, redemption, love and devotion. I adored Callum....UGH!!! Do men like him really exist??? Totally recommend this book but read Absolution first as it gives you an introduction to the back story and supporting characters in this book. 5 amazing stars *****

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing work by Amanda. Well worth reading.

[Ingrid Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Dick created a wonderful character in the H, Connor. I loved him from book one, Absolution, and continued to love him in Sliding Down The Sky. He's a little rough around the edges, but he's sweet and sensitive and caring and sexy. But I feel as though Dick did the readers who wanted to see him happy, an injustice, by pairing him with an h who, in my opinion, was not worthy of him. I did not see Sass as a broken woman. I saw her as a spoilt selfish, bitch. She felt sorry for herself from the beginning, right down to almost the last page. I was tired of her griping about her disability and her internal whining. The entire story was one big pity party thrown by Sass. I couldn't feel sorry for her, especially when I realized that prior to the accident she was a slut, with her drunkenness and one 'one night stand' after another and that she was basically responsible for the a accident that injured her and killed an innocent man. And post accident, she wasn't strong at all. She was spoilt and ridiculous and gave her poor brother, Leo, a hard time. Her disabillity was something bad yes. But it was something she could live with because although she could no longer play her instruments, she was alive and still had her singing voice. She was just not worthy of beautiful Callum, who went through so much in his life. It is he who was the strong one. He lost so much throughout his life and Dick had to go a step further and kill off his mother at the end? No. This book was too depressing. Callum loved Sass, but in my opinion, there was nothing lovable about her. She showed him no love. She was too cold and selfish and in her own head. Book one, Absolution, was also a very depressing read with all the pain and endless regret by the main characters and if this is an example of the type of stories that Amanda Dick writes, I prefer not to read more of her work.

[Chitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I've been anticipating reading this book after I finished Absolution. I have to say, Amanda sure does know how to mix readers' feelings in the book she's written. Sliding Down the Sky had me from the first chapter and is one of my favorites!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I cried through, smiled with and found to be a very profound story to read. It is the second book in the Absolution series and it made me feel like I was there watching it happen. I would recommend this book.

[Jolene]

DNF 40%
Just couldn’t get into it

[Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sliding Down the Sky focuses on one of my favourite Amanda Dick characters – it is the story of Callum Ferguson, who we all got to know and love in Absolution. Having said that, I feel that it is a good idea to read Absolution first (not only is it a PHENOMENAL read but we also get to know and fall in love with Callum for the first time).
This book follows the tragedy and heartache of a former rocker who moves to a small town with her brother and his family to try and escape the pain that is her life. Prone to panic attacks and a complete introvert, Sass is the character that we feel all the way down to our souls. Amanda Dick has written her so beautifully fractured that it is impossible not to feel every single one of Sass’ emotions. I loved this character – I think it is my favourite character that Amanda has written to date, she is perfect in her imperfections. You could almost feel that Sass wants to be a part of the real world again, but her demons weigh her down, and she finds it nearly impossible to believe that she is someone who deserves a happy ending.
Enter Callum Ferguson, swoon… Callum himself is no stranger to hurt and heartache. He has been disappointed by nearly everyone he loves. He has also taken on some of the traits of the one person he has sworn he will never become - his father. Swirling in a world of drunkenness and bar brawls, Callum knows that this is not the life he wants for himself. He is sinking and is not able to save himself from the wreckage that his life has become, until he meets the sister of the new bar owner in town.

He is immediately drawn to Sass and although she is shy and he struggles to worm her out of her shell, the two soon strike up an unlikely friendship. Callum is gentle and patient with her – he knows what she needs and he knows he is the person that can ultimately bring her back to the real world and living. The two go on a number of dates, and as Sass opens up to Callum, the two damaged souls begin to start healing. Callum drinks less and Sass begins to live life a little more.

However, the real world has a way of intruding and Callum’s temper soon gets the better of him. Will the fragile relationship the two have developed be strong enough to sustain the drama and damage? Will Sass be strong enough to leave the past behind her? Will these two finally get the happy ending they both deserve.
Amanda Dick is a magician of the broken and fractured souls. I wonder after each book how she will ever top the previous one, they are just so beautifully broken and well written. However, with Sliding down the Sky she has most certainly out done herself. I fell in love with the character of Sass from the moment I opened the book. Unable to pinpoint exactly what it was that had ultimately changed her life, you could most certainly feel the pain and heartache of her character leaping off the pages. I think at this point she is most definitely the most vulnerable and tragic character that Amanda has written. However, what I love the most about Amanda Dick’s writing is that she is able to make her characters rise out of the ashes like the Phoenix, and of course Sass is no different. You feel her character and her resolve grow throughout the book and I was most certainly routing for her to face her fears and her demons and let love in.

The character of Callum is one that I fell in love with during Absolution, and I am pleased to say that Amanda Dick did not let me down. Callum is the epitome of a man that has a brave exterior that hides a multitude of insecurities and issues. His way of coping with life and its stresses is to drink and brawl. We know that this comes as a result of the relationship, or lack thereof, with his father, and I really enjoyed that aspect of his character. Perhaps, it makes me maudlin and masochistic, but I enjoyed watching him struggle – and eventually defeat his demons. I loved that meeting a good woman who herself had many issues, was able to make him want to live and love life again. Callum is not a perfect man, not by a long shot, but he is a man that wants to do better and be better and when he finds his purpose, it changes his life and his plan.
Amanda Dick is a magician of words. She is also I have to say a magician of heartache, I swear everytime I pick up one of her books, I promise myself that I will not cry, but I never manage to make it through tear free.
Sliding Down the Sky is another masterpiece of beautiful words, fractured characters, pain, hope, suffering and love. I also have to say that it is my favourite Amanda Dick novel to date. A must read for any book work, it will make you laugh, cry and most importantly feel.

Another 5 star read from the incomparable Amanda Dick.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This author never ceases to amaze me. Her writing. Her voice. Her prose. I am simply blown away every time I read her words. And this book? It was no different.

“Salvation hurts like hell, because the road seems never ending and much steeper than you remembered on the slide down.”

Callum Ferguson lives in the shadows of his past. He sees that it comes to haunt him every time he looks in the mirror. Former successful musician, Sass Hathaway is devastated by a tragedy that changes the entire course of her life. Both left in the dark. Not quite the people they are meant to be. Until they cross paths. And then everything changes

“Someone to love me, even the broke and missing parts of me.”

There is a shift that occurs when Callum and Sass meets. The author’s brilliant writing allows you to feel this. I will not discuss the plot so much as the author so eloquently tells their story. What I will say is that Callum and Sass’s story is beautiful. Heartbreaking. Real. They both have suffered the unimaginable. Once drowning, they became each other’s breath of fresh air. Two damaged souls find salvation in each other. Can one accept their past for a chance to truly move on? Is love worth that risk?

“You can’t plan love. It just happens. All you can do is hang on for the ride.”

The love between these two is magic. Their love saves. It heals. Their love endures. Two shattered and broken people find their missing piece in each other. Their story simply attests to truly how powerful love can be. The emotions are heavy in this one. So much pain. Hurt. Regret. Guilt plagues their lives. But their strength? It’s profound. Awe-inspiring. The author truly gave such a strong voice to Callum and Sass.

“It was like we were bound together somehow. Invisible chains dangled between us, like a silent promise.”

The writing is what truly gives this story LIFE. The author truly has a gift in allowing her readers to live the story in that same moment with her characters. The pacing was really what kept me engaged. The author knows exactly when to let the readers into the hearts of her characters. She has a way with words. Her words are beautiful, deep, and most of all, meaningful.

“…you have my heart, my soul, every part of me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Sliding Down The Sky is about loving someone through their broken parts. It’s about allowing someone to love you enough until your whole. Giving them the power to do so while risking your heart. This heartfelt and compelling story was such an amazing journey. Love goes where it belongs. Even when it’s dark.

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sliding Down the Sky is a beautiful story about healing and overcoming. Amanda Dick’s writing pulls you in and shows you the strength and courage that her characters have as they battle their personal demons.

Callum is discovering that he is more like his father every day. Lonely, drunk, and destructive. No matter what the face he puts on for others shows, he is torn up by the damage his father did to him as a child. And he feels as though he can’t outrun the image of his father looking back at him in the mirror. Until he meets Sass. He is drawn to her in a way he can’t describe. And he finds himself wanting to know her and see her smile again.

Sass has lost everything she ever was. After a terrible accident, she’s lost her career, her music and her purpose. After her brother nurses her out of the pit of depression she is drowning in, she finds everyday is a new battle to survive. However, she refuses to let Leo down. His idea of a fresh start is to renovate and open a bar, and Sass gives everything she can to help him. But there is always a part of her that isn’t sure where she fits or how she’s supposed to let go of everything she lost. It all seems impossible. Then Callum lights a small but visible spark in her. Can she risk opening up to him after everything she’s been through?

Sliding Down the Sky is book two in a standalone series. I have not yet been able to read book one, Absolution, yet I was still able to completely follow both Callum and Sass, and understand the how the history of the previous book’s characters affects this story. I loved getting to know Sass and Callum. They are very unique characters that don’t fall into the major clichés of most damaged boy/damaged girl romances. Callum is unbelievably sweet and dependable, despite his faults and demons within himself. And it was fun to peel down the walls slowly, almost with Callum, to learn about Sass and what happened to her.

This book was very much emotionally charged. However, I gave it four stars because there was very little action outside of dialogue and the emotional roller coasters both characters were experiencing. There were a handful of tense kisses that faded out to pick the story up at a later time, and a couple of quick bar fights. The book was much more about Callum and Sass’s emotional journeys to learn to love themselves and finding someone who would value them for everything they are. I would recommend this book to anyone in need of an uplifting tale about overcoming the odds, as it was powerful, moving and left me feeling happy for Callum and Sass’s outcome.

[Johanna M Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Absolution, by Amanda Dick, you will LOVE Sliding down the Sky. I was very excited to revisit these characters and their world, in the stand-alone sequel, but I wasn’t prepared for just how immersed in the story I would be.

The author takes you on a tumultuous journey of desperation, heartache and determination. I was so caught up in this book, I found myself unable to make a rational decision on when to turn off the light and go to sleep. I would wake up in the middle of the night, kindle still firmly clutched within my fingers, with no idea how long I’d been sleeping. Yes, I had to ‘ration’ my reading installments after that, but it was so worth it. I LOVED THIS STORY.

In the first book, Callum brought a great deal to the plot, and was vital to the goings on. In Sliding down the sky, we get to see a whole new side of him. There are so many layers to his character, and I found myself falling in love with him, flaws and all. I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him he was so much more than he believed himself to be.

Sass – oh, where do I start? The sense of loss and emptiness she felt, that numb sensation of floating, drowning, touched me deep inside. I could relate to her emotions on a very raw level, so well was this book written. Though I didn’t suffer quite the same traumas and challenges she had to face, I could really identify with the loss of self, and the uncertainty of what the future held. I believe that the author has captured these emotions and experiences so beautifully, that many readers will be on the same rollercoaster I was. Ms Dick is a master at pulling on the reader’s heartstrings.

The inclusion of familiar faces, Jack and Ally, with their own challenges, gave the story a sense of togetherness, as did the introduction of Leo, Gemma, and the delightful Aria. The characterization in Sliding down the Sky is superb. They are so very real, and believable, they feel like old friends, or people you’ve actually met.

I cannot recommend this highly enough. You NEED to read this book. (I suggest reading Absolution first, just to appreciate everything Sliding down the Sky has to offer, but it would be a fantastic read even without the first book). I can’t wait to see what Ms Dick will produce next, she’s definitely on my ‘favourites’ list!

[Beauté De Livres (Vivian Freeman) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amanda Dick announced that she would be writing a standalone novel about Callum Ferguson, I must admit I was unsure as to which angle would suit best his story. In Absolution, Callum is this strong and supportive character whose presence is known and essential; however towards the end readers gain insight into the man behind the mask. In a captivatingly beautiful execution, Sliding Down The Sky is a multilayered exploration of love, loss, regret, pain and redemption.

Callum Ferguson feels heavy. Feeling unsatisfied with life, it seems that his monotonous surroundings are stifling his ability to break out of the mould that he has set for himself. Growing up in an abusive household and with an alcoholic father, Callum’s hangovers and frequently bruised knuckles have him convinced that he is following in his father’s footsteps. Empty and hollow Callum’s positivity about life is non-existent. And then he sees Sass.

Sass Hathaway is following her brother and his family and starting a new life. Heartbroken and full of sorrow, a life altering accident dramatically hinders her ability to see past her own sadness and despair. Dealing with an amputated hand, Sass feels disconnected from everything. Drowning and unable to see the light, she prays that this move will save her.

In a powerfully moving story Amanda Dick brings to life two beautifully damaged characters, which with their flaws and insecurities, equally enhance this story of survival and change. This story is told in dual points of view, allowing for both characters and their hardship to be equally represented. However, unlike many books told in alternating voices, Dick flawlessly and uniquely highlights Callum’s journey from selfish to selfless, through both points of view.

Through both smiles and tears Sliding Down the Sky is another success for Amanda Dick. Merging old characters with the new, she continues to excel in garnering empathy from the reader. Effortlessly magnifying the power and strength of love, in all it’s forms, Amanda Dick captures it’s ability to hurt, but even more so, it’s power to heal.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book!

This is the fourth book from a fantastic author who I'm so happy I discovered. Her books just get better and better. Although a stand alone novel, in Sliding Down the Sky we get to catch up with characters from Amanda's previous book Absolution, which is a fabulous touch to this beautiful and heartfelt story.

This story focuses on Callum and Sass, two very different, but extremely similar people. Both lost souls, both for very different reasons and both trying to run from their pasts but also put their past to rest. Their meeting is meant to be and they will help each other to overcome their fears and losses, but it's not straightforward. It is definitely not a typical love story! But at least they have family and friends supporting them along the way - another important message from the book.

Amanda manages to physically transport you into each story she writes so that you actually feel a part of it - you become completely emotionally involved with the characters (be that a good or a bad thing!) and feel exactly what each of them feels! It's exhausting - but in a good way! A real roller coaster of emotions - but what more could you want from a book?! You feel like you have been through each character's journey with them, been a part of it - not just a 'reader' reading about it from the outside.

I can't recommend Amanda's novels highly enough. They stay with you long after you have finished the book and they really make you think! So if you want to laugh, cry and even hold your breath at times, then definitely read Sliding Down the Sky as well as Amanda's other fantastic books.

[Tracy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very honoured to receive an arc of 'Sliding Down The Sky' in return for an honest review.

Amanda writes with honesty,passion and grit without being too gritty. There is something very special about the way she develops her characters. Then weaves them into a complexed situation which is so true to form.

Callum is something of a complexed guy. He is oozing attitude but has compassion. He recognises his flaws. He's a fists first type of guy. Yet a loveable rogue. He is a loyal friend and will protect those he loves to his own end. We first get to meet Callum in Amanda's debut novel 'Absolution' so having a bit of background,I was instantly submerged into Sliding down the sky.

The story unravels when Callum meets Sass. Both of them broken and bogged down with baggage. Sass and Callum are taken on a journey of self healing and self discovery. None of which is an easy feat. We also meet up again with Ally and Jack also from Absolution and catch up with their story which was a very nice touch by the author.

This is a beautifully written story of two lost souls trying to find a way through the demons that haunt them. Callum and Sass learn to trust, love again and finally let go of their demons. Amanda takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster. Her stories tend to stick around in your head long after you've finished the book. With every new novel Amanda gets better and better as do the beautiful book covers.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Dick always knows how to pluck a reader’s heartstrings through a medley of emotions, high and low. My first read from Amanda Dick was her debut novel, Between Before and After. That book has stayed with me the last couple of years, and I have a feeling Sliding Down the Sky will not be any different.
Both characters— Callum and Sass—in this book carry the ghost of their past but are slowly trying to fight it off to lead a better life. This task isn’t so easy until they bump into each other and learn how to fight their battles with the support from each other.
They lead two completely different lives, but a broken soul is a universal devastation, and when the right person finds their way into your heart, magical things happen. And this story shows that.
Callum was first seen in Amanda Dick’s last book, Absolution—which I hear tremendous things about but have yet been able to read, but will be doing so immediately!
Overall, this story felt real and the characters needs were so vivid, that I often found myself caught in an emotion I couldn’t explain. So rare a story can touch you in such a way! There were many moments that made me smile for hours after putting the book down and even giggles. A truly beautiful and reactive story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5*

Callum has found himself lost with his life and having no meaning to it, drinking it away. Sass has hit rock bottom after an accident changed her life permanently. With the help of her family she is on her way up but some losses are more difficult to overcome than others.

This is one of those books where the story seeps off the page and becomes part of you. Sass and Callum are both fighting to regain control of their lives and together they can face things and understand more about themselves. For those of you that have read 'Absolution' (and if you haven't, please do), you will have met Callum already and know how amazingly caring and kind hearted he is and the strength he shows in helping those he cares about.

This book made me feel hopeful that with time and work we can always find ourselves and adapt to the situations we find ourselves in. This was beautifully written and evoked lots of different emotions throughout. Amanda Dick is a now a firm favourite of mine.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved Callum in Absolution, you will love him more now. This is his story.
Callum is in somewhat of a dark place. The drinking and fighting, trying not to become his father. That is until he sees and meets Sass.
Sass is so far gone in her dark place that it's taking everything to pull herself out. She was once a star but now she just wants left alone after the accident.

I was a bit confused on Sass's story. You don't learn until far in the book about her accident and how it all happened.

I understand that this was Callum's story, which was heartbreaking but I would have loved to see how Sass finally overcame her issues too. And see what happened with Callum and his dad.

I felt that there was a lot of unanswered questions left with this one.

[Judy Nickless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sliding Down the Sky was a veritable music lovers haven.
The obvious love of music and all things lyrical flowed throughout the story.
Having met Jack,Ally and Callum in Absolution I was looking forward to finding out more about Callum.
I wasn't disappointed as Callum who was living the life of a ghost pretty much with just enough of himself hovering to pacify his friends and work obligations meeting an enigmatic newcomer.

Enter Sass,a damaged soul that will show him just how worthwhile and cherished he can be.
With equal parts that made me cry and releveant musician's quotes that made me think,I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this story took me on and look forward to further releases.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down once I stated reading it!! I really enjoyed the Absolution, so I was thrilled when I found out Cal was getting his own book. You find out what a great guy he is in Absolution, you'll love him even more in this story. Cal is definitely battling some demons from his upbringing. When he meets Sass he can't seem to stop thinking about her. Sass has uphill struggle going on since her accident she had a year ago. It was great to watch their journey to overcome they're obstacles to be with each other.

I have become a fan of this author after reading these past two books, can't wait to read some more!!

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked this story and loved the characters, it was just a little slow paced for me. When I felt like we were finally getting to the best part, what we had been building to, it was over. I feel like there are still stories to be told with this group and it makes me wonder who we could hear from next, Leo maybe?

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing tear jerker! Sass and Callum are amazing. I'm so glad to have read their story! An update on Jack and Ally was great too! Loved this book and can't wait for the next one. There's a next one...right??